Production and Marketing Strategies of Ferula assa-foetida L. in Kerman Province

The vastness of the Ferula assa-foetida L. habitats in Kerman province is significantly high in comparison to other provinces. For the local people therefor, it is important to improve its production and marketing as a natural resource economy source. In this study randomly 19 experienced experts in the field of medicinal plants of Ferula assa-foetida L. were questioned. After conducting face-to-face interviews and completing the questionnaire, data on the production and marketing of Ferula assa-foetida L. gathered in the strengths. They mostly asked to focus on the, weaknesses, strengths, opportunities and threats. Answers were put in SOWT matrix and ranked, to get the production and marketing strategies. ANP method also was used. Results showed that the most important strength point is the optimal quality of the Ferula assa-foetida L. resin, the most important weakness is the lack of government support, the most important opportunity is the marketing aboard and the most important threat is the smuggling and destruction of the rangeland habitats of this plant. On the basis of the result conversion of the raw material in to industrial is suggested.